A Story of Remembrance: The Tears of Rabbi Shlomo Chechik zt"l Over the Suffering of the Rav shlit"a

A moving memory of the figure of the pious chassid, Rabbi Shlomo Chechik zt"l, who ached with the sorrow of Rabbi Berland shlit"a and was a faithful partner in his suffering out of a pure love for tzaddikim (righteous ones).

A few weeks ago, the righteous Jew from the Breslov chassidim, Rabbi Nachman Shlomo Chechik zt"l, son of the righteous Rabbi Shmuel zt"l, passed away to his eternal home. His illuminating figure left a tremendous void among all who knew him. There are many stories that can be told about this special man, about his extraordinary righteousness, his pure earnestness, and the immense trait of loving-kindness that characterized all his ways.

A Burning Love for Tzaddikim

Beyond all his sublime virtues, the main and most prominent thing about Rabbi Shlomo zt"l was his being among the true lovers of the tzaddik. He was bound in heart and soul to Morinu HaRav (our teacher, the Rav) Eliezer Berland shlit"a. His love for the Rav was not merely in words, but was expressed in a deep soul-connection and a genuine partnership in everything the tzaddik went through.

A Faithful Partner in Suffering

When the difficult period began, Rabbi Shlomo ached to the depths of his soul over the sorrow of the Rav shlit"a. He agonized with literal anguish of the soul in the face of the terrible persecution and the unbearable suffering that the tzaddik endured. He simply could not bear the thought of the suffering of his teacher and Rav.

At all times and at every opportunity, Rabbi Shlomo zt"l would constantly pray for the Rav shlit"a. His concern was so great that every time he met someone, he would immediately ask with sincere and genuine worry: "How is the Rav shlit"a doing?" Fortunate is his portion that he merited to be among the true and earnest lovers of the tzaddikim, and may his great merit protect us and all of Israel, Amen.

From Issue 82 — Parashat Vayakhel

From the series "A Tzaddik Rules in the Fear of God" — "Shapir Amar Nachmani" publications